EIDC releases survey results

#MIDDLEBURY #SURVEY

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

The Middlebury Economic and Industrial Development Commission (EIDC) has released the results of a two-page survey it mailed in April to about 300 local businesses. The survey asked owners to rate the importance of two dozen factors in doing business in Middlebury. Those results are shown above. The survey also asked open-ended questions about the local business climate and any difficulties owners were having establishing and keeping a business in Middlebury.

Twenty-nine of the 300 surveys were returned, yielding a 10-percent response rate. EIDC Commissioner Frank Mirovsky said that was a good return rate. Businesses responding included four attorneys, four medical offices, four landscape and building contractors, four financial firms, and three restaurants, along with various professional and personal service companies.

Mirovsky, Chairman Terrence McAuliffe and Commissioner David Cappelletti read through the surveys May 23 so they could tally the results for a promised June 1 report to the business community. Cappelletti said the 29 surveys contained a broad enough cross section of Middlebury businesses to produce useful results although McAuliffe said he had hoped for more responses, especially from the restaurants and “Main Street” businesses.

Those who responded said the biggest pluses of doing business in Middlebury were location, proximity to I-84, demographics, small town values and quality of life. Town safety was cited along with the town being well run and beautiful with good services and a sense of community. Town departments were said to be easy to work with, and the names of some helpful individuals were written in.

Minuses included high property taxes, school taxes and property prices. Traffic on routes 63 and 64, and traffic congestion from I-84 accidents were noted by several, as were restrictions on business signs. Less restrictive zoning was called for by several businesses. Other needs were better cellular service, road improvements, more young families and more senior housing. One respondent asked for help in promoting their business. Many said the town didn’t need more gas stations, convenience stores or expanded infrastructure. Five said they were aware of Middlebury’s tax incentive program.

McAuliffe said he will follow up by visiting businesses that did not return a survey and promised the commission will read all surveys that come in late. Business owners supplying contact information may be asked to meet with commissioners to discuss ideas for improvement, and some may be invited to a no-cost Connecticut Economic Resource Center training session planned for September.

The next regular EIDC meeting will be Tuesday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.